Satellite charging method, satellite charging function, charging function, and storage medium

By determining and sending relevant satellite billing information when the terminal accesses through satellites in a 5G network, the problem of satellite access billing is solved, and accurate service billing and efficiency improvement of the billing system is achieved.

WO2025035990A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-02-20DATANG MOBILE COMM EQUIP CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/CN2024/103267
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-08-11
Filing Date
2024-07-03
Publication Date
2025-02-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In 5G networks, the existing technology is difficult to effectively solve the problem of satellite access billing, resulting in losses from satellite mobile network operators or service providers.

Method used

When the terminal accesses through satellites, the relevant satellite billing information is determined and the information is sent to the billing function CHF, so as to realize the service billing related to the satellite. The specific steps include determining the terminal's satellite access type, location information, resource usage information, etc., and creating or updating a billing data record CDR.

Benefits of technology

It realizes accurate service billing when the terminal accesses through satellites, solves the problem of satellite access billing, and improves the efficiency and accuracy of the billing system.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Disclosed in embodiments of the present disclosure are a satellite charging method, a satellite charging function (CHF), a CHF, and a storage medium. The method comprises: determining terminal-related satellite charging information; sending the satellite charging information to a CHF; and receiving a charging data response message sent by the CHF.
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Description

Satellite billing method, satellite billing function, billing function and storage medium

[0001] This disclosure claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on August 11, 2023, with application number 202311010993.6 and application name “Satellite billing method, satellite billing function, billing function and storage medium”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference in this disclosure. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of satellite communication technology, and in particular to a satellite billing method, a satellite billing function, a billing function and a storage medium. Background Art

[0003] As a new type of mobile communication network architecture, satellite-ground converged communication networks are becoming a global research hotspot. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) project has studied the scenarios and architecture of fifth-generation mobile communication technology (5G) and satellite convergence, as well as potential issues such as mobility management and paging. It has also conducted preliminary research on satellite access billing in satellite-ground converged networks.

[0004] With the deployment of the 5G core network's Service Based Architecture (SBA), the billing system has evolved to a Converged Charging System (CCS), integrating online and offline billing functions and providing a unified interface using a service-based architecture. The rapid development of the 5G industry and the in-depth advancement of standards work have necessitated addressing satellite access billing within the CCS.

[0005] Figures 1 and 2 provide a related art converged billing architecture based on a service-oriented interface, which includes logical billing functions and an interface Bx between these functions and the billing domain (BD). The network element in which the charging trigger function (CTF) is embedded, such as the session management function (SMF), generates billing events to the charging function (CHarging function, CHF) to implement converged billing for data connections. For example, as shown in Figure 3, in the related art, the CTF generates billing events toward the CHF for converged convergent billing processing (including online and offline). The generation of the charging data record (CDR) is performed by the CHF as the charging data function (CDF) and transferred to the charging gateway function (CGF). Finally, the CGF creates CDR files and forwards them to the BD.

[0006] 5G functional modules and billing architecture are based on service-oriented interfaces. In related technologies, regardless of whether satellite access is in transparent or regenerative mode, when a satellite service customer (such as user equipment (UE), IoT devices, broadband vehicle-mounted or fixed terminals, etc.) accesses, the CTF cannot identify that this billing event is based on satellite access, resulting in losses for the satellite mobile network operator (SMO) or satellite service provider (SSP).

[0007] Summary of the Invention

[0008] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a satellite billing method, a satellite billing function, a billing function, and a storage medium, which are used to implement billing of satellite-related services when a terminal accesses via a satellite.

[0009] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a satellite billing method, which is applied to a satellite billing function, including:

[0010] Determine satellite billing information related to the terminal;

[0011] Sending the satellite charging information to a charging function CHF;

[0012] Receive the charging data response message sent by the CHF.

[0013] In some embodiments, the satellite billing information includes at least one of the following:

[0014] The terminal's satellite access type;

[0015] Terminal location information;

[0016] Tracking area identification (TAC) information of the terminal's non-terrestrial network (NTN);

[0017] Satellite related parameters;

[0018] Resource usage information;

[0019] Business duration;

[0020] The satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following parameters: satellite name, satellite catalog number, orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and country of origin; the terminal location information includes at least one of the following: current location of the terminal, PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0021] In some embodiments, determining satellite billing information related to the terminal includes:

[0022] Based on one or more of the satellite access indication flag, wireless access type, and terminal location information, it is determined that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the terminal-related satellite billing information is determined based on the resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal.

[0023] In some embodiments, determining satellite billing information related to the terminal includes:

[0024] Determine the satellite billing information related to the terminal according to the terminal location information and / or the PRA information of the terminal, wherein the satellite billing information includes the terminal location information and / or PRA information, and the PRA information includes at least one of the following: a tracking area list TrackingAreaList, a PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0025] In some embodiments, the satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in an access and mobility management function AMF, a short message service function entity SMSF, or a session management function SMF;

[0026] or,

[0027] The satellite billing function is the charging enabling function CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite billing information related to the terminal by interacting with the AMF and / or the operation maintenance management OAM.

[0028] In some embodiments, determining satellite billing information related to the terminal includes:

[0029] Determine whether the short message sent by the terminal is sent based on satellite;

[0030] In the case that the short message sent by the terminal is sent based on a satellite, satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined, and the satellite billing information further includes: indication information for indicating that the short message is sent based on a satellite.

[0031] In some embodiments, the satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in a short message service function entity SMSF;

[0032] or,

[0033] The satellite charging function is CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with SMSF and / or OAM.

[0034] In some embodiments, determining satellite billing information related to the terminal includes:

[0035] When it is detected that the terminal initiates a PDU session through the NTN and the PDU session and / or service data in the PDU session need to be charged, satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined, and the satellite billing information also includes: relevant information of the PDU session.

[0036] In some embodiments, the satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in a session management function SMF;

[0037] or,

[0038] The satellite charging function is CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with SMF and / or OAM.

[0039] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a satellite billing method, which is applied to a billing function CHF, including:

[0040] Receiving satellite billing information sent by the satellite billing function;

[0041] Creating or updating a charging data record CDR according to the satellite charging information;

[0042] A billing data response message is sent to the satellite billing function.

[0043] In some embodiments, the satellite billing information includes at least one of the following:

[0044] The terminal's satellite access type;

[0045] Terminal location information;

[0046] Tracking area identification TAC information of the non-terrestrial network NTN of the terminal;

[0047] Satellite related parameters;

[0048] Resource usage information;

[0049] Business duration;

[0050] The satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following parameters: satellite name, satellite catalog number, orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and country of origin; the terminal location information includes at least one of the following: current location of the terminal, PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0051] In some embodiments, creating or updating a charging data record (CDR) based on the satellite charging information includes:

[0052] When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite and the satellite charging information includes resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal, a CDR is created according to the service resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal.

[0053] In some embodiments, creating or updating a charging data record (CDR) based on the satellite charging information includes:

[0054] When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite and the satellite charging information includes terminal location information and / or PRA information, a CDR is created for the charging event of the location report; wherein the PRA information includes at least one of the following: a tracking area list TrackingAreaList, a PRA identifier, and an indicator that the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0055] In some embodiments, the satellite billing information further includes: instruction information for instructing satellite-based short message sending;

[0056] The creating or updating the charging data record CDR according to the satellite charging information includes:

[0057] When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite charging information further includes indication information for indicating that a short message is sent via a satellite, a CDR is created for a charging event of sending a short message via a satellite.

[0058] In some embodiments, the satellite billing information further includes: information related to the PDU session;

[0059] The creating or updating the charging data record CDR according to the satellite charging information includes:

[0060] When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite charging information also includes relevant information of the PDU session, a CDR is created or updated for the PDU session.

[0061] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a satellite billing function, including: a memory, a transceiver, and a processor:

[0062] A memory storing a computer program; a transceiver transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations:

[0063] Determine satellite billing information related to the terminal;

[0064] Sending the satellite charging information to a charging function CHF;

[0065] Receive the charging data response message sent by the CHF.

[0066] In some embodiments, the satellite billing information includes at least one of the following:

[0067] The terminal's satellite access type;

[0068] Terminal location information;

[0069] Tracking area identification (TAC) information of the terminal's non-terrestrial network (NTN);

[0070] Satellite related parameters;

[0071] Resource usage information;

[0072] Business duration;

[0073] The satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following parameters: satellite name, satellite catalog number, orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and country of origin; the terminal location information includes at least one of the following: current location of the terminal, PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0074] In some embodiments, the processor further reads the computer program in the memory and performs the following operations:

[0075] Based on one or more of the satellite access indication flag, wireless access type, and terminal location information, it is determined that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the terminal-related satellite billing information is determined based on the resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal.

[0076] In some embodiments, the processor further reads the computer program in the memory and performs the following operations:

[0077] Determine the satellite billing information related to the terminal according to the terminal location information and / or the PRA information of the terminal, wherein the satellite billing information includes the terminal location information and / or PRA information, and the PRA information includes at least one of the following: a tracking area list TrackingAreaList, a PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0078] In some embodiments, the satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in an access and mobility management function AMF, a short message service function entity SMSF, or a session management function SMF;

[0079] or,

[0080] The satellite billing function is the charging enabling function CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite billing information related to the terminal by interacting with the AMF and / or the operation maintenance management OAM.

[0081] In some embodiments, the processor further reads the computer program in the memory and performs the following operations:

[0082] Determine whether the short message sent by the terminal is sent based on satellite;

[0083] In the case that the short message sent by the terminal is sent based on a satellite, satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined, and the satellite billing information further includes: indication information for indicating that the short message is sent based on a satellite.

[0084] In some embodiments, the satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in a short message service function entity SMSF;

[0085] or,

[0086] The satellite charging function is CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with SMSF and / or OAM.

[0087] In some embodiments, the processor further reads the computer program in the memory and performs the following operations:

[0088] When it is detected that the terminal initiates a PDU session through the NTN and the PDU session and / or service data in the PDU session need to be charged, satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined, and the satellite billing information also includes: relevant information of the PDU session.

[0089] In some embodiments, the satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in a session management function SMF;

[0090] or,

[0091] The satellite charging function is CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with SMF and / or OAM.

[0092] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a billing function, including: a memory, a transceiver, and a processor:

[0093] A memory storing a computer program; a transceiver transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations:

[0094] Receiving satellite billing information sent by the satellite billing function;

[0095] Creating or updating a charging data record CDR according to the satellite charging information;

[0096] A billing data response message is sent to the satellite billing function.

[0097] In some embodiments, the satellite billing information includes at least one of the following:

[0098] The terminal's satellite access type;

[0099] Terminal location information;

[0100] Tracking area identification TAC information of the non-terrestrial network NTN of the terminal;

[0101] Satellite related parameters;

[0102] Resource usage information;

[0103] Business duration;

[0104] The satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following parameters: satellite name, satellite catalog number, orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and country of origin; the terminal location information includes at least one of the following: current location of the terminal, PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0105] In some embodiments, the processor further reads the computer program in the memory and performs the following operations:

[0106] When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite and the satellite charging information includes resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal, a CDR is created according to the service resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal.

[0107] In some embodiments, the processor further reads the computer program in the memory and performs the following operations:

[0108] When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite and the satellite charging information includes terminal location information and / or PRA information, a CDR is created for the charging event of the location report; wherein the PRA information includes at least one of the following: a tracking area list TrackingAreaList, a PRA identifier, and an indicator that the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0109] In some embodiments, the satellite billing information further includes: instruction information for instructing satellite-based short message sending;

[0110] In some embodiments, the processor further reads the computer program in the memory and performs the following operations:

[0111] When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite charging information further includes indication information for indicating that a short message is sent via a satellite, a CDR is created for a charging event of sending a short message via a satellite.

[0112] In some embodiments, the satellite billing information further includes: information related to the PDU session;

[0113] In some embodiments, the processor further reads the computer program in the memory and performs the following operations:

[0114] When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite charging information also includes relevant information of the PDU session, a CDR is created or updated for the PDU session.

[0115] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a satellite billing device, which is applied to a satellite billing function, including:

[0116] A first determining unit, configured to determine satellite billing information related to the terminal;

[0117] a first sending unit, configured to send the satellite billing information to a billing function CHF;

[0118] The first receiving unit is configured to receive a charging data response message sent by the CHF.

[0119] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a satellite billing device, which is applied to a billing function, including:

[0120] a first receiving unit, configured to receive satellite billing information sent by a satellite billing function;

[0121] A first processing unit, configured to create or update a charging data record CDR according to the satellite charging information;

[0122] The first sending unit is configured to send a billing data response message to the satellite billing function.

[0123] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a processor-readable storage medium, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps in the method described above are implemented.

[0124] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the satellite billing function collects relevant billing information when the terminal is accessed via a satellite, obtains terminal-related satellite billing information and sends it to the CHF, so that the CHF can implement satellite-related service billing based on the terminal-related satellite billing information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0125] Figures 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams of a service-based interface-based converged billing architecture in related art;

[0126] FIG3 is an example diagram of a converged billing process in the related art;

[0127] FIG4 is a flow chart of a satellite billing method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0128] FIG5 is another flow chart of a satellite billing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0129] 6 to 10 are several example flow charts of satellite billing methods provided by embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0130] FIG11 is a structural diagram of a satellite billing function provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0131] FIG12 is a structural diagram of a billing function provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0132] FIG13 is a structural diagram of a satellite billing device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0133] FIG14 is another structural diagram of the satellite billing device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0134] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "and / or" describes the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0135] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "plurality" refers to two or more than two, and other quantifiers are similar thereto.

[0136] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present disclosure and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0137] In order to solve the problems of terminal access and data services under dynamic beam hopping and realize the configuration of beam hopping resources, the embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a satellite billing method, which can realize the flexible configuration of beam hopping resources in a 5G-based satellite communication scenario, improve the efficiency of beam scheduling and management, and thus provide support for improving resource utilization and system communication capacity.

[0138] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a satellite billing method that can implement satellite-related service billing when a terminal accesses a terminal via a satellite. FIG4 provides a flow chart of the above method when applied to a satellite billing function, wherein the satellite billing function can specifically be a charging trigger function (CTF). The CTF can be independently deployed in the core network or in one or more core network elements, for example, in an access and mobility management function (AMF) or a short message service function (SMSF). The satellite billing function can also be a charging enablement function (CEF) in the related art. The CEF can generally use management services or services exposed by network functions.

[0139] As shown in Figure 4, the method includes:

[0140] Step 401: Determine satellite billing information related to the terminal.

[0141] Here, the satellite billing function can determine the satellite billing information related to the terminal when the terminal accesses the network via satellite. The terminal can specifically be a user equipment (UE), an Internet of Things device, a broadband vehicle or fixed terminal, etc. Based on different billing requirements, the satellite billing information related to the terminal can be determined, which can specifically include at least one of the following:

[0142] (1) The satellite access type of the terminal. For example, based on the orbital altitude of the satellite to which the terminal accesses, it can be divided into low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, medium earth orbit (MEO) satellites, geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellites, and other satellites (OTHERSAT). For example, the AMF can determine the radio access technology (RAT) type where the terminal resides based on the global RAN node ID associated with the N2 interface and the tracking area indicated by the next generation radio access network (NG-RAN). The AMF determines the RAT type of the new radio (NR) satellite access, namely NR (LEO), NR (MEO), NR (GEO), and NR (OTHERSAT). When the terminal accesses NR using satellite access, the type of satellite access NR, namely the satellite access type, will be displayed on the N2 interface.

[0143] (2) Terminal location information: The terminal location information includes at least one of the following: the current location of the terminal, a Presence Reporting Area (PRA) identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0144] (3) Tracking Area Identifier (TAC) information of the terminal's NTN.

[0145] (4) Satellite-related parameters, for example, the satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following parameters: satellite name, satellite catalog number, orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and country. The ephemeris information may specifically include at least one of the following information:

[0146] -Semi-major axis;

[0147] -Eccentricity;

[0148] -Argument of periapsis;

[0149] - Longitude of ascending node;

[0150] -Inclination;

[0151] -Mean anomaly at epoch time.

[0152] (5) Resource usage information, such as the amount of service data sent and received by the terminal;

[0153] (6) Service duration, specifically, the time interval from when a terminal establishes a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session to when it releases the PDU session.

[0154] In some embodiments, the terminal-related satellite billing information may also include more billing auxiliary information, such as a Quality of Service (QoS) flow usage report, which may specifically include at least one of the following information: QoS flow identifier (Qos flow ID, QFI), QoS flow start time, end time, uplink traffic, downlink traffic, etc.

[0155] Step 402: Send the satellite billing information to a charging function (CHF).

[0156] Here, the satellite billing function sends the satellite billing information to the CHF so that the CHF can create or update a charging data record (CDR) based on the satellite billing information, thereby implementing billing for satellite-related services. Specifically, the satellite billing function can send the satellite billing information to the CHF via the Hchf interface. The satellite billing information can be carried in a Charging Data Request message.

[0157] Step 403: Receive the charging data response message sent by the CHF.

[0158] Here, after creating or updating the CDR, the CHF may send a Charging Data Response message to the satellite charging function. The message is used to indicate that the CHF has created or updated the CDR. The message may carry the result of the CHF processing the CTF request.

[0159] Through the above steps, the embodiment of the present disclosure uses the satellite billing function to collect relevant billing information when the terminal is accessed via a satellite, obtains the terminal-related satellite billing information and sends it to the CHF, so that the CHF can implement satellite-related service billing based on the terminal-related satellite billing information.

[0160] Based on different billing requirements, the satellite billing function can collect terminal-related satellite billing information. The following example illustrates this.

[0161] For example, if a terminal needs to be billed for accessing the network via satellite, the satellite billing function can determine satellite billing information related to the terminal when determining that the terminal accesses the network via satellite. Specifically, the satellite billing function can determine whether the terminal accesses the network via satellite based on one or more of the satellite access indication flag (the satellite access indication flag is a flag used to indicate whether the terminal accesses the network via satellite), the wireless access type, and the terminal's location information. When determining that the terminal accesses the network via satellite, the satellite billing information related to the terminal can be determined based on information such as resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal. The satellite billing information may include information such as resource usage information and / or service duration, and may also include other auxiliary billing information. In this example, the satellite billing function can be a charging trigger function (CTF), which can be deployed in an AMF so that the CTF can obtain the satellite billing information directly from the AMF; or, the satellite billing function can be a charging enabling function (CEF), which determines the satellite billing information related to the terminal by interacting with the AMF and / or the Operation Administration and Maintenance (OAM).

[0162] For another example, when a terminal accesses via satellite, if location reporting needs to be charged, the satellite billing function may determine the satellite billing information related to the terminal based on the terminal location information and / or the presence reporting area (PRA) information of the terminal, wherein the satellite billing information includes the terminal location information and / or PRA information, and the PRA information includes at least one of the following: a tracking area list, a PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA. The terminal location information may include at least one of the following: the current location of the terminal, a PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA. In this example, the satellite billing function may be a CTF deployed in the AMF, so that the CTF can obtain the satellite billing information directly from the AMF; or, the satellite billing function may be a CEF, and the CEF can determine the satellite billing information related to the terminal by interacting with the AMF and / or OAM. The satellite billing function may also be a CTF deployed in the SMF or SMSF.

[0163] For another example, when the terminal accesses the network via satellite, if the Short Message Service (SMS) needs to be charged, the satellite billing function can determine whether the short message sent by the terminal is sent based on the satellite. For example, if the short message service is used when the terminal accesses the network via satellite, it can be determined that the short message sent by the terminal is sent based on the satellite. In the case where the short message sent by the terminal is sent based on the satellite, the satellite billing function determines the satellite billing information related to the terminal, and the satellite billing information also includes: indication information for indicating that the short message is sent based on the satellite. In this example, the satellite billing function can be a CTF deployed in a Short Message Service Function (SMSF), so that the CTF can obtain the satellite billing information directly from the SMSF; or, the satellite billing function can be a CEF, and the CEF can determine the satellite billing information related to the terminal by interacting with the SMSF and / or OAM.

[0164] For another example, when a terminal accesses via satellite, if the terminal's Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session needs to be billed, the satellite billing function can determine the terminal-related satellite billing information when it detects that the terminal initiates a PDU session through the NTN and the PDU session and / or the service data in the PDU session needs to be billed. The satellite billing information also includes: relevant information about the PDU session. In this example, the satellite billing function can be a CTF deployed in a Session Management Function (SMF), so that the CTF can obtain the satellite billing information directly from the SMF; or, the satellite billing function can be a CEF, and the CEF can determine the terminal-related satellite billing information by interacting with the SMF and / or OAM.

[0165] Referring to FIG. 5 , the satellite billing method provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, when applied to CHF, includes:

[0166] Step 501: Receive satellite billing information sent by a satellite billing function.

[0167] Here, the CHF may receive a Charging Data Request message sent by the satellite charging function and obtain the satellite charging information from the message. Specifically, the satellite charging information may include at least one of the following:

[0168] (1) Satellite access type of the terminal;

[0169] (2) Terminal location information;

[0170] (3) Tracking area identification (TAC) information of the non-terrestrial network (NTN) of the terminal;

[0171] (4) Satellite related parameters;

[0172] (5) Resource usage information;

[0173] (6) Business duration;

[0174] The satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following parameters: satellite name, satellite catalog number, orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and country. The terminal location information includes at least one of the following: current location of the terminal, PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0175] Step 502: Create or update a CDR based on the satellite billing information.

[0176] Here, in step 502, the CHF creates or updates the CDR according to the information included in the satellite billing information.

[0177] For example, if the satellite billing information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via satellite, and the satellite billing information includes resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal, the CHF creates a CDR based on the service resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal. In some embodiments, if the satellite billing information also includes auxiliary billing information, the CHF may further create a CDR based on the auxiliary billing information to achieve more accurate accounting and billing.

[0178] For another example, when the satellite billing information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite billing information includes terminal location information and / or PRA information, a CDR is created for the billing event of the location report; wherein the PRA information includes at least one of the following: a tracking area list (TrackingAreaList), a PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0179] For another example, the satellite billing information may further include instruction information for instructing the sending of a short message via satellite. In this case, if the satellite billing information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via satellite and the satellite billing information also includes instruction information for instructing the sending of a short message via satellite, the CHF creates a CDR for the billing event of the terminal sending the short message via satellite.

[0180] For another example, the satellite billing information may further include information related to the PDU session. In this case, if the satellite billing information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via satellite and the satellite billing information also includes information related to the PDU session, the CHF creates or updates a CDR for the PDU session.

[0181] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the CHF may determine whether the terminal accesses the network via satellite based on one or more of the following information: the terminal's satellite access type, terminal location information, TAC information of the terminal's NTN, satellite-related parameters, and the like in the satellite billing information. For example, if the terminal's satellite access type is LEO, MEO, GEO, or OTHERSAT, it may be determined that the terminal accesses the network via satellite.

[0182] Step 503: Send a billing data response message to the satellite billing function.

[0183] Here, the CHF may send a Charging Data Response message to the satellite charging function to indicate that the CDR has been created or updated.

[0184] To help better understand the above embodiments, the specific implementation of the embodiments of the present disclosure is further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in different billing scenarios through the interaction between functional entities.

[0185] Example 1: Mobility and Connectivity Charging

[0186] Refer to Figure 6, where CTF is deployed on AMF. This example includes:

[0187] In steps 601 to 603, the UE accesses the New Radio (NR) system through the NTN and sends a registration message to the network.

[0188] Step 604: UE initiates a registration process, for details, please refer to related technologies.

[0189] Step 605: After the UE successfully registers, the AMF sends a registration acceptance message to the UE.

[0190] In step 606 (optional), the CTF may need to obtain satellite-related parameters from the OAM or Unified Data Management (UDM) entity.

[0191] Specifically, the satellite-related parameters include: one or more of: satellite name (name), satellite directory number (norad id), orbit altitude, orbit plane, ephemeris information, destination (destination), country (owner), and the like.

[0192] In step 607, the AMF (CTF) determines that the access is initiated by satellite based on one or more of the following information: the satellite access indication flag of the terminal (for example, the AMF generates and stores the flag according to the access information of the terminal), the radio access type RAT (such as "NR(LEO)", "NR(MEO)", "NR(GEO)", "NR(OTHERSAT)", etc.), and the location information of the UE. The charging trigger function CTF collects the satellite charging information and sends the satellite charging information to the CHF through a Charging Data Request message.

[0193] Satellite billing information includes at least one of the following:

[0194] - Satellite access type: such as RAT ("NR(LEO)", "NR(MEO)", "NR(GEO)", "NR(OTHERSAT)", etc.

[0195] -UE location information and NTN Tracking Area Identifier (TAI) information, such as:

[0196] servingPLMN PLMNIdentity,

[0197] tACListInNRNTN TACListInNRNTN,

[0198] uELocationDerivedTACInNRNTN TAC

[0199] - the satellite-related parameters in step 606;

[0200] Step 608: The CHF generates a charging report (CDR) based on the received satellite charging information.

[0201] Step 609: CHF reports a Charging Data Response message to AMF. Example 2: Satellite Position Report Charging (Post Event Charging)

[0202] As shown in Figure 7, CTF is also deployed on AMF. This example specifically includes:

[0203] In step 701, a new N2 connection is established between the Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) and the AMF. Location reporting charging is activated in the AMF charging profile. There may be a status reporting area list. The "terminal status" in the status area list PRA describes whether the terminal enters or leaves the PRA.

[0204] In step 702, the AMF sends a Location Reporting Control to the NG-RAN according to the startup procedure described in the related art, indicating that the UE's location change or the reporting area where the UE is located needs to be reported.

[0205] In step 703, the AMF receives a location report from the NG-RAN, which includes the UE's current location and the potential PRA area. When the UE uses NR satellite access, the cell and TAI reported by the NG-RAN refer to the fixed cell and fixed TA of the UE's geographic location.

[0206] In step 704, if location reporting charging is activated in step 701, the AMF (CTF) determines that the access is initiated by satellite based on one or more of the terminal's satellite access indication flag (for example, the AMF generates and saves the flag based on the terminal's access information), the radio access type RAT (such as "NR (LEO)", "NR (MEO)", "NR (GEO)", "NR (OTHERSAT)", etc.), and the UE's location information. The AMF (CTF) collects satellite-related information about the charging event.

[0207] In some embodiments, the CTF may need to obtain satellite-related parameters from the OAM or UDM. Satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following information: satellite name, satellite directory number (norad id), orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and owner.

[0208] The AMF (CTF) sends a Charging Data Request message to the CHF, which contains the current UE location and the initial status of the subscribed PRA (Presence Reporting Area).

[0209] Step 705: CHF creates a CDR for this location report.

[0210] In step 706, the CHF confirms the creation of the CDR by sending a Charging Data Response message to the AMF.

[0211] Step 707: According to the AMF standard provided in step 702, a change in the UE location or presence status reporting area occurs.

[0212] Step 708: AMF receives the updated location report sent by NG-RAN.

[0213] In step 709, the AMF sends a Charging Data Request message to the CHF, which includes the new UE location, the PRA identifier, and an indication of whether the UE is inside or outside the status reporting area (if any).

[0214] In step 710, the CHF creates a CDR for the updated location report.

[0215] Step 711: CHF confirms by sending Charging Data Response to AMF.

[0216] Example 3: Satellite Short Message Service Billing

[0217] As shown in Figure 8, the CTF is deployed on the AMF. In this example, the interaction between the SMSF and the CHF is essentially the interaction between the SMSF (CTF) and the CHF. This example specifically includes:

[0218] Step 801, the initialization process between the UE and the SMSF, can be referred to related technologies and will not be repeated in this example.

[0219] Step 802: The SMSF receives an SMS Submit message sent by the UE.

[0220] In step 803, the SMSF determines whether the short message is sent via satellite based on at least one of the following indication information:

[0221] a) Short Message Service Type (SMServiceType): The short message service type adds an indication bit for short messages sent via satellite (VAS4SMS_SHORT_MESSAGE_NTN). Through this indication bit, it can be determined that the short message is sent based on satellite.

[0222] b) Satellite access type: e.g., RAT ("NR(LEO)", "NR(MEO)", "NR(GEO)", "NR(OTHERSAT)", etc.

[0223] c) UE location information and NTN Tracking Area Identifier information:

[0224] servingPLMN PLMNIdentity,

[0225] tACListInNRNTN TACListInNRNTN,

[0226] uELocationDerivedTACInNRNTN TAC

[0227] d) Satellite parameters obtained from OAM (refer to the above example);

[0228] In response to the received Mobile Originate (MO) short message, the SMSF sends a Charging Data Request [Event] message to the CHF. Parameters related to the Charging Data Request message also include the information of whether the short message is satellite-based.

[0229] Step 804: CHF creates a call record (CDR) for the short message.

[0230] Step 805: CHF confirms by sending a charging data response [Event] to SMSF.

[0231] Step 806: The SMSF returns a short message submission answer (SMS Submit Answer) and provides a corresponding result: whether the SMSF successfully receives the short message (SMS).

[0232] Step 807: forward the SMS according to the applicable process, which will not be described in detail here.

[0233] Example 4: Satellite data service billing

[0234] Refer to Figure 9. In this example, CTF is deployed in SMF. This example includes:

[0235] In step 901, the UE initiates a PDU session connection process through the NTN. For details, please refer to related technologies and will not be described here.

[0236] Step 902: When a PDU session or a service data flow in a PDU session needs to be charged, the CTF determines that this is a data flow accessed by a satellite and collects satellite-related charging information.

[0237] In step 903 (optional), the CTF may need to obtain satellite-related parameters from the OAM or UDM. Satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following: satellite name, satellite directory number (norad id), orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and owner.

[0238] In step 904, the SMF (CTF) determines that the access is initiated via satellite based on one or more of the following information: the satellite access indication flag of the terminal, the radio access type RAT (such as "NR(LEO)", "NR(MEO)", "NR(GEO)", "NR(OTHERSAT)", etc.), and the location information of the UE. The charging trigger function CTF collects satellite charging information and sends the satellite charging information to the CHF through a charging request message (Charging Data Request).

[0239] Satellite billing information includes at least one of the following:

[0240] - Satellite access type: RAT ("NR(LEO)", "NR(MEO)", "NR(GEO)", "NR(OTHERSAT)");

[0241] -UE location information and NTN Tracking Area Identifier information:

[0242] servingPLMN PLMNIdentity,

[0243] tACListInNRNTN TACListInNRNTN,

[0244] uELocationDerivedTACInNRNTN TAC

[0245] - Satellite related parameters in step 903;

[0246] Step 905: CHF opens the billing statement (Open CDR) and performs billing.

[0247] Step 906: CHF sends Charging Data Response to SMF.

[0248] Step 907: AMF sends a message to SMF: SM Request with PDU Session Update Requst N2 SM information, requesting a PDU session update.

[0249] In steps 908 to 910, the CTF sends a Charging Data Request message to the CHF, and the CHF updates the CDR.

[0250] Step 911: SMF sends a message to AMF: SM Request with PDU session Update Response to AMF, indicating that the PDU session has been updated.

[0251] Example 5: Satellite data service billing initiated by CEF

[0252] According to the architecture defined in the relevant technologies, the CEF can use both management services and services exposed by network functions. As shown in Figure 10, in Example 5, the CTF in Example 1 is replaced with the CEF. The specific steps of Example 5 are similar to those in Example 1, except that the CEF can obtain the required information from the AMF and OAM and send the satellite service charging request message to the CHF. This will not be repeated here.

[0253] The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can be applicable to a variety of systems, especially 5G systems. For example, the applicable system can be a global system of mobile communication (GSM) system, a code division multiple access (CDMA) system, a wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) general packet radio service (GPRS) system, a long term evolution (LTE) system, a LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, a LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, an advanced long term evolution (LTE-A) system, a universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), a world-wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) system, a 5G new air interface (NR) system, etc. These various systems include terminal equipment and network equipment. The system may also include a core network part, such as an evolved packet system (EPS), a 5G system (5G System, 5GS), etc.

[0254] The terminal device involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user, a handheld device with wireless connection function, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem. In different systems, the name of the terminal device may also be different. For example, in a 5G system, the terminal device may be called User Equipment (UE). A wireless terminal device can communicate with one or more core networks (CN) via a radio access network (RAN). The wireless terminal device may be a mobile terminal device, such as a mobile phone (or "cellular" phone) and a computer with a mobile terminal device. For example, it may be a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-built-in or vehicle-mounted mobile device that exchanges voice and / or data with a radio access network. For example, Personal Communication Service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, Session Initiated Protocol (SIP) phones, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) stations, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), and other devices. The wireless terminal device may also be referred to as a system, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a mobile station, a remote station, an access point, a remote terminal device, an access terminal device, a user terminal device, a user agent, or a user device, but is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0255] The network side device involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be a base station, which may include multiple cells providing services to the terminal. Depending on the specific application scenario, the base station may also be called an access point, or may be a device in the access network that communicates with the wireless terminal device through one or more sectors on the air interface, or other names. The network device may be used to interchange received air frames with Internet Protocol (IP) packets, acting as a router between the wireless terminal device and the rest of the access network, wherein the rest of the access network may include an Internet Protocol (IP) communication network. The network device may also coordinate the attribute management of the air interface. For example, the network device involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be a network device (Base Transceiver Station, BTS) in the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), a network device (NodeB) in Wide-band Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), an evolutionary network device (eNB or e-NodeB) in the Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, a 5G base station (the next Generation Node B, gNB) in the 5G network architecture, a home evolved Node B (HeNB), a relay node, a femto, a pico, etc., and is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure. In some network structures, the network device may include a centralized unit (CU) node and a distributed unit (DU) node, and the centralized unit and the distributed unit may also be geographically separated.

[0256] Network devices and terminal devices can each use one or more antennas for Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) transmission. MIMO transmission can be single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO) or multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO). Depending on the form and number of antenna combinations, MIMO transmission can be two-dimensional MIMO (2D-MIMO), three-dimensional MIMO (3D-MIMO), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), or massive MIMO. It can also use diversity transmission, precoded transmission, or beamforming transmission.

[0257] As shown in FIG11 , an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a satellite billing function, including a processor 1100, a transceiver 1110, a memory 1120, and a program stored in the memory 1120 and executable on the processor 1100. The transceiver 1110 is connected to the processor 1100 and the memory 1120 via a bus interface. The processor 1100 is configured to read the program in the memory and execute the following process:

[0258] Determine satellite billing information related to the terminal;

[0259] Sending the satellite charging information to a charging function CHF;

[0260] Receive the charging data response message sent by the CHF.

[0261] The transceiver 1110 is configured to receive and send data under the control of the processor 1100 .

[0262] In FIG11 , the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking together various circuits of one or more processors represented by processor 1100 and memory represented by memory 1120. The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, all of which are well known in the art and, therefore, will not be further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1110 may be a plurality of components, namely, a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium, such as a wireless channel, a wired channel, an optical cable, or the like.

[0263] The processor 1100 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1120 can store data used by the processor 1100 when performing operations.

[0264] The processor 1100 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor may also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0265] Optionally, the satellite billing information includes at least one of the following:

[0266] The terminal's satellite access type;

[0267] Terminal location information;

[0268] Tracking area identification (TAC) information of the terminal's non-terrestrial network (NTN);

[0269] Satellite related parameters;

[0270] Resource usage information;

[0271] Business duration;

[0272] The satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following parameters: satellite name, satellite catalog number, orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and country of origin; the terminal location information includes at least one of the following: current location of the terminal, PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0273] Optionally, the processor 1100 is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0274] Based on one or more of the satellite access indication flag, wireless access type, and terminal location information, it is determined that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the terminal-related satellite billing information is determined based on the resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal.

[0275] Optionally, the processor 1100 is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0276] Determine the satellite billing information related to the terminal according to the terminal location information and / or the PRA information of the terminal, wherein the satellite billing information includes the terminal location information and / or PRA information, and the PRA information includes at least one of the following: a tracking area list (TrackingAreaList), a PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0277] In some embodiments, the satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in an access and mobility management function AMF, a short message service function entity SMSF, or a session management function SMF;

[0278] or,

[0279] The satellite billing function is the charging enabling function CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite billing information related to the terminal by interacting with the AMF and / or the operation maintenance management OAM.

[0280] Optionally, the processor 1100 is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0281] Determine whether the short message sent by the terminal is sent based on satellite;

[0282] In the case that the short message sent by the terminal is sent based on a satellite, satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined, and the satellite billing information further includes: indication information for indicating that the short message is sent based on a satellite.

[0283] In some embodiments, the satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in a short message service function entity SMSF;

[0284] or,

[0285] The satellite charging function is CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with SMSF and / or OAM.

[0286] Optionally, the processor 1100 is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0287] When it is detected that the terminal initiates a PDU session through the NTN and the PDU session and / or service data in the PDU session need to be charged, satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined, and the satellite billing information also includes: relevant information of the PDU session.

[0288] In some embodiments, the satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in a session management function SMF;

[0289] or,

[0290] The satellite charging function is CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with SMF and / or OAM.

[0291] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a satellite billing function, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored on the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the program, the various processes in the method embodiment applied to the satellite billing function are implemented, and the same technical effects can be achieved. To avoid repetition, they will not be described here.

[0292] As shown in FIG12 , embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a charging function CHF, including a processor 1200, a transceiver 1210, a memory 1220, and a program stored in the memory 1220 and executable on the processor 1200. The transceiver 1210 is connected to the processor 1200 and the memory 1220 via a bus interface. The processor 1200 is configured to read the program in the memory and execute the following process:

[0293] Receiving satellite billing information sent by the satellite billing function;

[0294] Creating or updating a charging data record CDR according to the satellite charging information;

[0295] A billing data response message is sent to the satellite billing function.

[0296] The transceiver 1210 is configured to receive and send data under the control of the processor 1200 .

[0297] In FIG12 , the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking together various circuits of one or more processors represented by processor 1200 and memory represented by memory 1220. The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, all of which are well known in the art and, therefore, will not be further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1210 may be a plurality of components, namely, a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium, such as a wireless channel, a wired channel, an optical cable, or the like.

[0298] The processor 1200 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1220 can store data used by the processor 1200 when performing operations.

[0299] The processor 1200 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor may also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0300] In some embodiments, the satellite billing information includes at least one of the following:

[0301] The terminal's satellite access type;

[0302] Terminal location information;

[0303] Tracking area identification TAC information of the non-terrestrial network NTN of the terminal;

[0304] Satellite related parameters;

[0305] Resource usage information;

[0306] Business duration;

[0307] The satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following parameters: satellite name, satellite catalog number, orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and country of origin; the terminal location information includes at least one of the following: current location of the terminal, PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0308] Optionally, the processor 1200 is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0309] When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite and the satellite charging information includes resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal, a CDR is created according to the service resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal.

[0310] Optionally, the processor 1200 is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0311] When the satellite billing information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite and the satellite billing information includes terminal location information and / or PRA information, a CDR is created for the billing event of the location report; wherein the PRA information includes at least one of the following: a tracking area list (TrackingAreaList), a PRA identifier, and an indicator that the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0312] In some embodiments, the satellite billing information also includes: indication information for indicating the sending of short messages based on satellite; the processor 1200 is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: when the satellite billing information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via satellite, and the satellite billing information also includes indication information for indicating the sending of short messages based on satellite, create a CDR for the billing event of sending short messages via satellite.

[0313] In some embodiments, the satellite billing information further includes: relevant information of the PDU session; the processor 1200 is further configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0314] When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite charging information also includes relevant information of the PDU session, a CDR is created or updated for the PDU session.

[0315] It should be noted here that the above-mentioned network device provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure can implement all the method steps implemented in the above-mentioned method embodiment applied to the network device, and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0316] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a billing function, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored on the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the program, the various processes in the method embodiment applied to the billing function are implemented, and the same technical effect can be achieved. To avoid repetition, they will not be described here.

[0317] As shown in FIG13 , an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a satellite billing device 1300, which is applied to satellite billing functions and includes:

[0318] The first determining unit 1301 is configured to determine satellite billing information related to the terminal;

[0319] The first sending unit 1302 is configured to send the satellite billing information to a billing function CHF;

[0320] The first receiving unit 1303 is configured to receive the charging data response message sent by the CHF.

[0321] In some embodiments, the satellite billing information includes at least one of the following:

[0322] The terminal's satellite access type;

[0323] Terminal location information;

[0324] Tracking area identification (TAC) information of the terminal's non-terrestrial network (NTN);

[0325] Satellite related parameters;

[0326] Resource usage information;

[0327] Business duration;

[0328] The satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following parameters: satellite name, satellite catalog number, orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and country of origin; the terminal location information includes at least one of the following: current location of the terminal, PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0329] In some embodiments, the first determining unit 1301 is further configured to:

[0330] Based on one or more of the satellite access indication flag, wireless access type, and terminal location information, it is determined that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the terminal-related satellite billing information is determined based on the resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal.

[0331] In some embodiments, the first determining unit 1301 is further configured to:

[0332] Determine the satellite billing information related to the terminal according to the terminal location information and / or the PRA information of the terminal, wherein the satellite billing information includes the terminal location information and / or PRA information, and the PRA information includes at least one of the following: a tracking area list (TrackingAreaList), a PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0333] In some embodiments, the satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in an access and mobility management function AMF, a short message service function entity SMSF, or a session management function SMF;

[0334] or,

[0335] The satellite billing function is the charging enabling function CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite billing information related to the terminal by interacting with the AMF and / or the operation maintenance management OAM.

[0336] In some embodiments, the first determining unit 1301 is further configured to:

[0337] Determine whether the short message sent by the terminal is sent based on satellite;

[0338] In the case that the short message sent by the terminal is sent based on a satellite, satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined, and the satellite billing information further includes: indication information for indicating that the short message is sent based on a satellite.

[0339] In some embodiments, the satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in a short message service function entity SMSF;

[0340] or,

[0341] The satellite charging function is CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with SMSF and / or OAM.

[0342] In some embodiments, the first determining unit 1301 is further configured to:

[0343] When it is detected that the terminal initiates a PDU session through the NTN and the PDU session and / or service data in the PDU session need to be charged, satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined, and the satellite billing information also includes: relevant information of the PDU session.

[0344] In some embodiments, the satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in a session management function SMF;

[0345] or,

[0346] The satellite charging function is CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with SMF and / or OAM.

[0347] It should be noted that the device embodiment is a device that corresponds one-to-one to the above-mentioned method embodiment. All implementation methods in the above-mentioned method embodiment are applicable to the device embodiment and can achieve the same technical effects.

[0348] It should be noted here that the above-mentioned device provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure can implement all the method steps implemented in the method embodiment shown in Figure 4, and can achieve the same technical effects. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0349] As shown in FIG14 , a satellite billing device 1400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to billing functions and includes:

[0350] The first receiving unit 1401 is configured to receive satellite billing information sent by the satellite billing function;

[0351] The first processing unit 1402 is configured to create or update a charging data record CDR according to the satellite charging information;

[0352] The first sending unit 1403 is configured to send a billing data response message to the satellite billing function.

[0353] In some embodiments, the satellite billing information includes at least one of the following:

[0354] The terminal's satellite access type;

[0355] Terminal location information;

[0356] Tracking area identification TAC information of the non-terrestrial network NTN of the terminal;

[0357] Satellite related parameters;

[0358] Resource usage information;

[0359] Business duration;

[0360] The satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following parameters: satellite name, satellite catalog number, orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and country of origin; the terminal location information includes at least one of the following: current location of the terminal, PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0361] In some embodiments, the first processing unit 1402 is further configured to:

[0362] When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite and the satellite charging information includes resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal, a CDR is created according to the service resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal.

[0363] In some embodiments, the first processing unit 1402 is further configured to:

[0364] When the satellite billing information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite and the satellite billing information includes terminal location information and / or PRA information, a CDR is created for the billing event of the location report; wherein the PRA information includes at least one of the following: a tracking area list (TrackingAreaList), a PRA identifier, and an indicator that the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

[0365] In some embodiments, the satellite billing information further includes: instruction information for instructing to send a short message based on a satellite; the first processing unit 1402 is further configured to:

[0366] When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite charging information further includes indication information for indicating that a short message is sent via a satellite, a CDR is created for a charging event of sending a short message via a satellite.

[0367] In some embodiments, the satellite billing information further includes: relevant information of the PDU session; the first processing unit 1402 is further configured to:

[0368] When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite charging information also includes relevant information of the PDU session, a CDR is created or updated for the PDU session.

[0369] It should be noted here that the above-mentioned device provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure can implement all the method steps implemented in the method embodiment shown in Figure 5, and can achieve the same technical effects. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0370] It should be noted that the division of units in the embodiments of the present disclosure is schematic and is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be integrated into a single processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit. The aforementioned integrated units may be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional units.

[0371] If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a processor-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present disclosure is essentially or the part that contributes to the prior art or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, and the computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including a number of instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) or a processor to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present disclosure. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0372] It should be noted here that the above-mentioned device provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure can implement all the method steps implemented in the above-mentioned method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0373] The present disclosure also provides a processor-readable storage medium, on which a program is stored. When the program is executed by the processor, each process of the above-mentioned method embodiment is implemented, and the same technical effect is achieved. To avoid repetition, it is not repeated here. The readable storage medium can be any available medium or data storage device that can be accessed by the processor, including but not limited to magnetic storage (such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, a magneto-optical disc (MO), etc.), optical storage (such as a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a Blu-ray disc (BD), a high-definition versatile disc (HVD), etc.), and semiconductor storage (such as ROM, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), non-volatile memory (NAND FLASH), solid-state disk (SSD), etc.).

[0374] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprises," "includes," or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus comprising the element.

[0375] Through the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the above embodiment methods can be implemented by means of software plus the necessary general hardware platform, and of course can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better embodiment. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present disclosure, or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM / RAM, disk, CD-ROM), and includes a number of instructions for enabling a terminal (which can be a mobile phone, computer, server, air conditioner, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in each embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0376] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present disclosure may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Furthermore, the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to magnetic disk storage and optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0377] The present disclosure is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that each process and / or box in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of the processes and / or boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer-executable instructions. These computer-executable instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device produce a device for implementing the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0378] These processor-executable instructions may also be stored in a processor-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the processor-readable memory produce a product including an instruction device that implements the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0379] These processor-executable instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operational steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, whereby the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0380] It should be noted that it should be understood that the division of the above modules is merely a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into one physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Moreover, these modules can all be implemented in the form of software called by a processing element; or they can all be implemented in the form of hardware; or some modules can be implemented in the form of software called by a processing element, and some modules can be implemented in the form of hardware. For example, the determination module can be a separately established processing element, or it can be integrated into a chip of the above-mentioned device. In addition, it can also be stored in the memory of the above-mentioned device in the form of program code, and called by a processing element of the above-mentioned device to perform the functions of the above-mentioned determination module. The implementation of other modules is similar. In addition, these modules can all or partly be integrated together, or they can be implemented independently. The processing element described here can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method or each of the above modules can be completed by the hardware integrated logic circuit in the processor element or by instructions in the form of software.

[0381] For example, each module, unit, sub-unit, or sub-module may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above method, such as one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more microprocessors (DSPs), or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). For another example, when a module is implemented by scheduling program code on a processing element, the processing element may be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or other processor capable of calling program code. For another example, these modules may be integrated together and implemented in the form of a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

[0382] The terms "first," "second," and the like in the specification and claims of the present disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or precedence. It should be understood that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein may be implemented in a sequence other than that illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "including" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units need not be limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices. In addition, the use of "and / or" in the specification and claims to indicate at least one of the connected objects, for example, A and / or B and / or C, means that seven situations are included: A alone, B alone, C alone, both A and B present, both B and C present, both A and C present, and all A, B, and C present. Similarly, the use of "at least one of A and B" in the specification and claims should be understood to mean "A alone, B alone, or both A and B present."

[0383] The embodiments of the present disclosure are described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned specific implementation methods. The above-mentioned specific implementation methods are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Under the guidance of the present disclosure, ordinary technicians in this field can also make many forms without departing from the scope of protection of the purpose of the present disclosure and the claims, all of which are protected by the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A satellite billing method, applied to a satellite billing function, the method comprising: Determine satellite billing information related to the terminal; sending said satellite charging information to a charging function CHF; Receive the charging data response message sent by the CHF.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein: The satellite billing information includes at least one of the following: The satellite access type of the terminal; Terminal location information; Tracking area identification TAC information of the terminal's non-terrestrial network NTN; Satellite related parameters; Resource usage information; Business duration; The satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following parameters: satellite name, satellite catalog number, orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and country; the terminal location information includes at least one of the following: terminal current location, field reporting area PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The determining of the satellite billing information related to the terminal includes: Based on one or more of the satellite access indication flag, the wireless access type, and the terminal location information, it is determined that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined based on the resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The determining of the satellite billing information related to the terminal includes: Determine satellite billing information related to the terminal according to the terminal location information and / or the PRA information of the terminal, wherein the satellite billing information includes the terminal location information and / or the PRA information, and the PRA information includes at least one of the following: a tracking area list TrackingAreaList, a PRA identifier, and an indicator that the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in an access and mobility management function AMF, a short message service function entity SMSF or a session management function SMF; or, The satellite charging function is a charging enabling function CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with the AMF and / or the operation maintenance management OAM.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The determining of the satellite billing information related to the terminal includes: Determine whether the short message sent by the terminal is sent based on satellite; In the case that the short message sent by the terminal is sent based on a satellite, satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined, and the satellite billing information further includes: indication information for indicating that the short message is sent based on a satellite.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein: The satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in a short message service function entity SMSF; or, The satellite charging function is CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with SMSF and / or OAM.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The determining of the satellite billing information related to the terminal includes: When it is detected that the terminal initiates a PDU session through the NTN and the PDU session and / or the service data in the PDU session need to be charged, satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined, and the satellite billing information also includes: relevant information of the PDU session.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein: The satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in a session management function SMF; or, The satellite charging function is CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with SMF and / or OAM.

10. A satellite charging method, applied to a charging function CHF, the method comprising: Receiving satellite billing information sent by a satellite billing function; Creating or updating a charging data record CDR according to the satellite charging information; A charging data response message is sent to the satellite charging function.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein: The satellite billing information includes at least one of the following: The satellite access type of the terminal; Terminal location information; Tracking area identification TAC information of the non-terrestrial network NTN of the terminal; Satellite related parameters; Resource usage information; Business duration; The satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following parameters: satellite name, satellite catalog number, orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and country; the terminal location information includes at least one of the following: terminal current location, field reporting area PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: The step of creating or updating a charging data record CDR according to the satellite charging information includes: When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite and the satellite charging information includes resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal, a CDR is created according to the service resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal.

13. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: The step of creating or updating a charging data record CDR according to the satellite charging information includes: When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite and the satellite charging information includes terminal location information and / or PRA information, a CDR is created for a charging event of the location report; wherein the PRA information includes at least one of the following: a tracking area list TrackingAreaList, a PRA identifier, and an indicator that the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

14. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: The satellite billing information also includes: indication information for indicating sending a short message based on a satellite; The step of creating or updating a charging data record CDR according to the satellite charging information includes: When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite charging information further includes indication information for indicating that a short message is sent via a satellite, a CDR is created for a charging event of sending a short message via a satellite.

15. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: The satellite billing information also includes: relevant information of the PDU session; The step of creating or updating a charging data record CDR according to the satellite charging information includes: When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite charging information also includes relevant information of the PDU session, a CDR is created or updated for the PDU session.

16. A satellite billing function, comprising: Memory, transceiver, processor: Memory, which stores computer programs; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; The processor reads the computer program in the memory and performs the following operations: Determine satellite billing information related to the terminal; sending said satellite charging information to a charging function CHF; Receive the charging data response message sent by the CHF.

17. The satellite billing function of claim 16, wherein: The satellite billing information includes at least one of the following: The satellite access type of the terminal; Terminal location information; Tracking area identification TAC information of the terminal's non-terrestrial network NTN; Satellite related parameters; Resource usage information; Business duration; The satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following parameters: satellite name, satellite catalog number, orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and country; the terminal location information includes at least one of the following: terminal current location, field reporting area PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

18. A satellite billing function as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein: The processor further reads the computer program in the memory and performs the following operations: Based on one or more of the satellite access indication flag, the wireless access type, and the terminal location information, it is determined that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined based on the resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal.

19. A satellite billing function as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein: The processor further reads the computer program in the memory and performs the following operations: Determine satellite billing information related to the terminal according to the terminal location information and / or the PRA information of the terminal, wherein the satellite billing information includes the terminal location information and / or the PRA information, and the PRA information includes at least one of the following: a tracking area list TrackingAreaList, a PRA identifier, and an indicator that the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

20. A satellite billing function as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein: The satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in an access and mobility management function AMF, a short message service function entity SMSF or a session management function SMF; or, The satellite charging function is a charging enabling function CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with the AMF and / or the operation maintenance management OAM.

21. A satellite billing function as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein: The processor further reads the computer program in the memory and performs the following operations: Determine whether the short message sent by the terminal is sent based on satellite; In the case that the short message sent by the terminal is sent based on a satellite, satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined, and the satellite billing information further includes: indication information for indicating that the short message is sent based on a satellite.

22. The satellite billing function of claim 21, wherein: The satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in a short message service function entity SMSF; or, The satellite charging function is CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with SMSF and / or OAM.

23. A satellite billing function as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein: The processor further reads the computer program in the memory and performs the following operations: Upon detecting that the terminal initiates a PDU session through the NTN, and the PDU session and / or the PDU When the service data in the session needs to be charged, the satellite charging information related to the terminal is determined, and the satellite charging information also includes: the relevant information of the PDU session.

24. The satellite billing function of claim 23, wherein: The satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in a session management function SMF; or, The satellite charging function is CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with SMF and / or OAM.

25. A billing function comprising: Memory, transceiver, processor: Memory, which stores computer programs; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; The processor reads the computer program in the memory and performs the following operations: Receiving satellite billing information sent by a satellite billing function; Creating or updating a charging data record CDR according to the satellite charging information; A charging data response message is sent to the satellite charging function.

26. The billing function of claim 25, wherein: The satellite billing information includes at least one of the following: The satellite access type of the terminal; Terminal location information; Tracking area identification TAC information of the non-terrestrial network NTN of the terminal; Satellite related parameters; Resource usage information; Business duration; The satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following parameters: satellite name, satellite catalog number, orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and country; the terminal location information includes at least one of the following: terminal current location, field reporting area PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

27. A charging function as claimed in claim 25 or 26, wherein: The processor further reads the computer program in the memory and performs the following operations: The satellite billing information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite billing information In the case where the resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal is included, a CDR is created according to the service resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal.

28. A charging function as claimed in claim 25 or 26, wherein: The processor further reads the computer program in the memory and performs the following operations: When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite and the satellite charging information includes terminal location information and / or PRA information, a CDR is created for a charging event of the location report; wherein the PRA information includes at least one of the following: a tracking area list TrackingAreaList, a PRA identifier, and an indicator that the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

29. A charging function as claimed in claim 25 or 26, wherein: The satellite billing information also includes: indication information for indicating sending a short message based on a satellite; The processor further reads the computer program in the memory and performs the following operations: When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite charging information further includes indication information for indicating that a short message is sent via a satellite, a CDR is created for a charging event of sending a short message via a satellite.

30. A charging function as claimed in claim 25 or 26, wherein: The satellite billing information also includes: relevant information of the PDU session; The processor further reads the computer program in the memory and performs the following operations: When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite charging information also includes relevant information of the PDU session, a CDR is created or updated for the PDU session.

31. A satellite billing device, applied to satellite billing functions, the satellite billing device comprising: A first determining unit, configured to determine satellite billing information related to the terminal; A first sending unit, configured to send the satellite billing information to a billing function CHF; The first receiving unit is used to receive the charging data response message sent by the CHF.

32. The satellite charging device according to claim 31, wherein: The satellite billing information includes at least one of the following: The satellite access type of the terminal; Terminal location information; Tracking area identification TAC information of the terminal's non-terrestrial network NTN; Satellite related parameters; Resource usage information; Business duration; The satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following parameters: satellite name, satellite catalog number, orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and country; the terminal location information includes at least one of the following: terminal current location, field reporting area PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

33. The satellite charging device according to claim 31 or 32, wherein: The first determining unit is further configured to: Based on one or more of the satellite access indication flag, the wireless access type, and the terminal location information, it is determined that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined based on the resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal.

34. The satellite charging device according to claim 31 or 32, wherein: The determining of the satellite billing information related to the terminal includes: Determine satellite billing information related to the terminal according to the terminal location information and / or the PRA information of the terminal, wherein the satellite billing information includes the terminal location information and / or the PRA information, and the PRA information includes at least one of the following: a tracking area list TrackingAreaList, a PRA identifier, and an indicator that the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

35. The satellite charging device according to claim 33 or 34, wherein: The satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in an access and mobility management function AMF, a short message service function entity SMSF or a session management function SMF; or, The satellite charging function is a charging enabling function CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with the AMF and / or the operation maintenance management OAM.

36. The satellite charging device according to claim 31 or 32, wherein: The first determining unit is further configured to: Determine whether the short message sent by the terminal is sent based on satellite; In the case that the short message sent by the terminal is sent based on a satellite, satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined, and the satellite billing information further includes: indication information for indicating that the short message is sent based on a satellite.

37. The satellite charging device according to claim 36, wherein: The satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in a short message service function entity SMSF; or, The satellite charging function is CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with SMSF and / or OAM.

38. The satellite charging device according to claim 31 or 32, wherein: The first determining unit is further configured to: When it is detected that the terminal initiates a PDU session through the NTN and the PDU session and / or the service data in the PDU session need to be charged, satellite billing information related to the terminal is determined, and the satellite billing information also includes: relevant information of the PDU session.

39. The satellite charging device according to claim 38, wherein: The satellite charging function is a charging trigger function CTF, and the CTF is deployed in a session management function SMF; or, The satellite charging function is CEF, and the CEF determines the satellite charging information related to the terminal by interacting with SMF and / or OAM.

40. A satellite billing device, applied to billing functions, the satellite billing device comprising: A first receiving unit, configured to receive satellite billing information sent by a satellite billing function; A first processing unit, configured to create or update a charging data record CDR according to the satellite charging information; The first sending unit is used to send a billing data response message to the satellite billing function.

41. The satellite charging device according to claim 40, wherein: The satellite billing information includes at least one of the following: The satellite access type of the terminal; Terminal location information; Tracking area identification TAC information of the non-terrestrial network NTN of the terminal; Satellite related parameters; Resource usage information; Business duration; The satellite-related parameters include one or more of the following parameters: satellite name, satellite catalog number, orbital altitude, orbital plane, ephemeris information, destination, and country; the terminal location information includes at least one of the following: terminal current location, field reporting area PRA identifier, and an indicator of whether the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

42. The satellite charging device according to claim 40 or 41, wherein: The first processing unit is further configured to: When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite and the satellite charging information includes resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal, a CDR is created according to the service resource usage information and / or service duration of the terminal.

43. The satellite charging device according to claim 40 or 41, wherein: The first processing unit is further configured to: When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite and the satellite charging information includes terminal location information and / or PRA information, a CDR is created for a charging event of the location report; wherein the PRA information includes at least one of the following: a tracking area list TrackingAreaList, a PRA identifier, and an indicator that the terminal is inside or outside the PRA.

44. The satellite charging device according to claim 40 or 41, wherein: The satellite billing information also includes: indication information for indicating sending a short message based on a satellite; The first processing unit is further configured to: When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite charging information further includes indication information for indicating that a short message is sent via a satellite, a CDR is created for a charging event of sending a short message via a satellite.

45. The satellite charging device according to claim 40 or 41, wherein: The satellite billing information also includes: relevant information of the PDU session; The first processing unit is further configured to: When the satellite charging information indicates that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite, and the satellite charging information also includes relevant information of the PDU session, a CDR is created or updated for the PDU session.

46. ​​A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein when the computer program is executed by a processor, the computer program implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, or implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 10 to 15.

Citation Information

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